Apparatus for non-destructive testing of a seed

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for non-destructive testing of a seed. In various embodiments, the method may comprise vibrating the seed to orient the seed on an axis, identifying a location of a known feature of the seed, determining a sample location on the seed based on the location of the known feature, and performing a non-destructive testing procedure on the seed proximate the sample location. In one embodiment, the method may comprise removing a sample portion of the seed from the sample location without damaging the embryo of the seed. Accordingly, the viability of the seed may be maintained while allowing for subsequent testing on the sample portion of the seed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus configured to remove a sample portion of a seed, comprising:
 a vibratory device configured to vibrate the seed and orient the seed on an axis;   a camera configured to identify a location of a known feature of the seed; and   a testing device configured to perform a non-destructive testing procedure on the seed.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a singulator configured to singulate the seed. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the vibratory device comprises a sloped surface configured to center the seed such that the axis is coaxial with a desired axis, 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the testing device comprises a cutting device configured to cut the seed to thereby remove a sample portion of the seed 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the cutting device comprises a laser. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a suction device configured to contact seed and rotate the seed about the axis. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the suction device is spring-loaded. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a light configured to illuminate the seed to improve contrast. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the testing device comprises a device selected from the group consisting of:
 a spectrometer;   a near infrared (NIR) spectrometer;   nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer hardness testing;   Hyperspectral measurements and imaging;   X-ray imaging;   UV measurements and imaging;   RGB measurements and imaging; and   combinations thereof.